Should I Take My Pet Reptile To The Vet?

Does your pet have a rasping breath and is wheezing while it breathes?

Does your pet have swollen limbs?

Is your pet unresponsive?

Has your reptile fasted for a prolonged time?

Are there any visible external parasites like ticks on your pet?

Do you have a pet turtle or tortoise?

Does your pet have a cracked shell?

Are there any fungus spores visible on your pet turtle?

Does your pet have swollen eyes?

Are there any visible mechanical damage on your pet reptilian?

Typical symptoms of respiratory infection are wheezing, bubbles visible at the nostrils, and a gaping mouth. Your reptile has the equivalent of severe pneumonia, and he’s distinctly uncomfortable. By the time you see these symptoms, your reptile has passed the point of being able to get rid of this infection on his own. Snakes have only one functional lung, so they have no backup at all. You should take your pet to the vet.

Puffy arms and legs are a symptom of metabolic bone disease (MBD). With MBD, the bones in the body become weakened because there isn’t enough calcium in the diet, and the reptile hasn’t been able to sun. In an effort to restore strength in the weakened limbs, the body adds fibrous tissue to the muscles. This extra tissue puffs up the limbs, and they look chubby. You should take your pet to the vet.

Reptilians that are unresponsive are close to death. If your pet sleeps a lot, if it doesn’t pull his leg back from you when you take it in your fingers and give a gentle tug, if it lies in its cage without moving or feeding, you should immediately take it to the vet. Causes of unresponsiveness are starvation, avitaminosis, dehydration, or temperatures that are too cool.

If your snake hasn't eaten for more than a month, a lizard for more than three days, and turtle for more than a week, you should take it to the vet.

Ticks and mites are an irritant and can be dealt with by using anti-tick and anti-mite medications. If the problem is severe, or if your methods don’t end the problem after two weeks of use, talk to your veterinarian.

If your pet turtle/tortoise have any visible mechanical damage on its shell you should take it to the vet. Even though turtles can sustain much damage to their shell, sometimes the injury can go deeper than the surface of the shell. It is never a bad idea to go to the vet when the damages are visible.

Fungi are opportunistic infectious agents. If the skin of a turtle is damaged or breached, or if they are kept in dirty water that isn’t changed regularly, the spores will infect your pet. Cleanliness is critical, so keep turtles under very clean conditions. Any signs of external fungus need prompt evaluation and treatment from the vet.

Swollen eyes are usually an indication of a vitamin imbalance and/or starvation. Clean the caging, offer fresh food and sunlight, and get an evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment plan from your veterinarian.

Based on your answers your pet turtle or tortoise appears to be healthy and doesn't need a veterinarian exam.

If there are any visible mechanical damage on your pet like burns, bites, or broken limbs you should take it to the vet.

Based on your answers your pet appears to be healthy and doesn't need a veterinarian exam.